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Strong thunderstorms<\/strong> are spreading rapidly across Central Pennsylvania<\/strong>, prompting the National Weather Service<\/strong> to issue a weather alert<\/strong> valid through 4 p.m. (EDT)<\/strong> today, Wednesday, June 27<\/strong>. This warning specifically targets Somerset<\/strong>, Bedford<\/strong>, Fulton<\/strong>, Franklin<\/strong>, Dauphin<\/strong>, Lebanon<\/strong>, Cumberland<\/strong>, Adams<\/strong>, York<\/strong>, and Lancaster<\/strong> counties.<\/p>\n Numerous showers and strong-to-severe thunderstorms<\/strong> are developing quickly across the Southern Tier<\/strong> and the Lower Susquehanna Valley<\/strong>, with conditions intensifying as mid-afternoon<\/strong> approaches.<\/p>\n This activity is being driven by a boundary of cooler air<\/strong> drifting southward after morning storms<\/strong> passed through DuBois<\/strong> and State College<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Expect the following through 5 p.m.<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Scattered intense thunderstorms<\/strong>, with potential wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph (80 km\/h)<\/strong>, hail as large as pennies<\/strong>, and brief periods of heavy rainfall<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The weather service<\/strong> urges caution, especially for those outdoors, recommending that people seek shelter in a secure building<\/strong>. Storms may intensify quickly<\/strong>, so it’s essential to monitor local radio<\/strong> and TV stations<\/strong> for updates and additional alerts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Lightning is no small threat\u2014it strikes the United States<\/strong> about 25 million times<\/strong> each year, mostly in the summer months<\/strong>, and kills around 20 people annually<\/strong>, according to the weather service<\/strong>. The risk spikes as a storm approaches<\/strong> and peaks when lightning is directly overhead<\/strong>. It gradually fades only after the storm moves on.<\/p>\n When skies darken and thunder rumbles<\/strong>, preparation is critical. A lightning safety plan<\/strong> helps reduce danger.<\/p>\n Before heading outside<\/strong>, be sure you have a shelter plan<\/strong>. Watch the skies and listen for thunder<\/strong>\u2014if you hear it, lightning is nearby<\/strong>. Move inside a sturdy structure immediately<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Once indoors<\/strong>, avoid corded phones<\/strong>, plugged-in appliances<\/strong>, plumbing<\/strong>, and windows<\/strong>. Lightning can travel through wires and plumbing<\/strong>, putting you at risk even indoors.<\/p>\n Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap<\/strong> before going back outside. Lightning can strike even after the storm appears to have passed.<\/strong><\/p>\n If no building is nearby<\/strong>, avoid hilltops<\/strong>, open fields<\/strong>, and isolated tall trees<\/strong>. In wooded areas, stay low<\/strong>, near shorter trees. Spread out<\/strong> if you’re with others to reduce the chance of multiple injuries from a single strike.<\/p>\n Do not take shelter under trees<\/strong> or near metal fences<\/strong>, and avoid water<\/strong>. While they don\u2019t attract lightning, metal and water conduct electricity<\/strong> and can cause serious injury or death.<\/p>\n Tents offer no protection<\/strong>, so if you’re camping, look for low-lying areas<\/strong> like valleys or ravines<\/strong>\u2014but be mindful of flood risk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Heavy rainfall<\/strong> can quickly turn roads hazardous, making flooding<\/strong> and reduced visibility<\/strong> real threats for drivers.<\/p>\n Stay away from ditches<\/strong> or drainage canals<\/strong>, where fast-moving water<\/strong> can sweep vehicles or people away.<\/p>\n Increase following distance<\/strong>\u2014give at least four seconds<\/strong> of space to the vehicle in front during rain. Wet surfaces<\/strong> cut down traction, so braking takes longer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Slow down<\/strong>, ease off the gas, and avoid abrupt stops<\/strong>. The first 30 minutes<\/strong> of rainfall are especially dangerous as oil and grime<\/strong> lift from the pavement, making roads extra slippery<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Stick to middle lanes<\/strong>, where water tends not to collect, and keep headlights on<\/strong>. This improves visibility for you and makes your car more noticeable to others.<\/p>\n Large trucks and buses<\/strong> throw up water spray that can blind you. Keep your distance<\/strong>, and pass quickly but safely<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If the rain gets too intense, pull off the road<\/strong>, ideally beyond the end of the guardrail<\/strong>. Keep emergency lights flashing<\/strong> and headlights on<\/strong> to stay visible.<\/p>\n In these conditions, staying alert and informed<\/strong> through local weather updates<\/strong> is vital for ensuring safe travel.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Strong thunderstorms are spreading rapidly across Central Pennsylvania, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a weather alert valid through 4 p.m. (EDT) today, Wednesday, June 27. This warning specifically targets Somerset, Bedford, Fulton, Franklin, Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York, and Lancaster counties. Numerous showers and strong-to-severe thunderstorms are developing quickly across the Southern Tier […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":4995,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4994","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/h2>\n
Staying safe during lightning: what to know now<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How to stay protected during thunderstorms<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Caught outside? Take these precautions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Driving in heavy rain: how to handle wet roads safely<\/strong><\/h2>\n